Two Companies Each Hoping To Stage Additional N.Y. Marathon Starting In '15

Two companies are "each hoping to launch a spring marathon in New York City, one as soon as 2015," according to Kevin Helliker of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. However, the marathons "they envision are different." One would "wind through the streets of Brooklyn, the other through Manhattan." But approval for "such a race will rest largely in the hands of the next mayor." N.Y. under Mayor Michael Bloomberg has "rejected proposals for any serious alternative" to the ING N.Y. Marathon. Competitor Group President & CEO Scott Dickey said, "We think there's room for another marathon in Manhattan, in the spring." He added that San Diego-based Competitor has "tabled until after the mayoral election any proposal for a Manhattan marathon." New York City Runs Founder Steve Lastoe a few months ago "submitted to the city a bid for a 2014 marathon through the streets of Brooklyn that would accept at least 10,000 runners." While that bid "failed to win approval, Lastoe foresees approval in time for a 2015 race, in part because he said he has received support from" NYRR President & CEO Mary Wittenberg, whose company runs the ING N.Y. Marathon. City approval of "two new large marathons seems unlikely, potentially creating a rivalry between the two bidders." Lastoe said, "I'm worried that Competitor Group might get there before me" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 5/15).

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: In N.Y., Lynn Zinser notes the Brooklyn Half Marathon will "host about 25,000 competitors this weekend." NYRR officials have been working with the N.Y. Police Dept. to "ramp up security, including a new, stringent bag check procedure, additional police officers along the course, secure runners-only areas and family reunion zones." Bomb-sniffing dogs will "be out in force." The event will "draw its biggest field by a large margin." The race two years ago "drew 7,000 runners" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/15).